NC officials reverse college admissions policy for illegal immigrants

The state now says illegal immigrants will be prohibited from pursuing degrees at North Carolina community colleges, at least until state officials figure out whether a mandate passed six months ago to enroll illegal immigrants violates federal laws.

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper says mandating colleges to enroll students without proper paperwork may be in violation of federal law.

The admission policy will now return to what it was between 2001 and 2006. Undocumented immigrants will still be allowed to take courses, but will not be able to obtain degrees.

There’s only one undocumented immigrant at Cape Fear Community College. He will be allowed to continue his studies. But college officials say they aren’t allowed to accept any new undocumented students. That includes the seventeen that signed up for Cape Fear for next semester.

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley has asked the state community college system to disregard the attorney general’s opinion.

Meantime, the system has asked for a federal review of its policy and depending on the outcome, the policy could be reversed again.

Brunswick Community College President Dr. Stephen Greiner says one undocumented student is currently enrolled and will be able to finish his degree. He says he will also comply with the policy.